The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in parts of Britain.

The warning – from 10am on Monday until 10am on Tuesday next week – applies to much of southern Scotland and north-east England, parts of Yorkshire and parts of north-west England, including Lancashire and Cumbria.

There is also a separate warning for snow and ice in the north of Scotland from 4pm on Sunday until 11am on Monday.

Meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: “Significant changes are coming to Britain’s weather this weekend.”

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Up to 20cm of snow is possible on higher ground on Monday and Tuesday, the Met Office said, with a chance of 10cm of snow at lower levels, which could be disruptive.

“Be prepared that weather warnings can change quickly,” the forecaster warned.

Periods of rain, hail, sleet and snow are forecast over the three days, making driving conditions dangerous.

It will also get colder with temperatures dropping overnight, causing ice to form on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, the Met Office said, as it warned of the likelihood of “injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces”.

It urged people to plan their journeys on foot or by transport – and give themselves enough time to arrive at their destination.

Power outages, delayed or canceled bus and train services and road closures are also likely, while some rural communities could be cut off.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: ‘A notable wave of winter cold will sweep across the north from Sunday, likely to reach all parts of Britain by mid-week.

“Temperatures will drop as a northerly airflow develops, bringing in colder Arctic air.

“This introduces the possibility of snow initially on high ground in the north from Sunday, with gusty winds also a potential hazard.

“As cold air spreads south, wintry weather is possible on a wider scale and a snow and ice warning has already been issued for parts of Scotland and northern England early next week.”

She added: “Updates to winter hazard warnings are likely, so it is important to keep up to date with the latest weather forecasts.”

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The winter weather comes after weeks of mild, above-average temperatures.

It also follows a period of high pressure in early November, which left much of the country in a cycle of fog, drizzle and low cloud for almost two weeks.

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In many areas there was no sunshine at all – and “anticyclonic gloom” was blamed for the gloomy conditions.

This is when high pressure traps a layer of moisture close to the Earth’s surface, bringing a prolonged period of dull and cloudy weather, including areas of mist and fog.

Forecasters say the change in weather over the next few days and next week is due to the intrusion of low air pressure.